ASUU rejects tenure extension for UNIOSUN VC

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Osun State University, UNIOSUN, chapter, has faulted the two-year extension of the tenure of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Clement Adebooye, by Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The union said the Osun State University Establishment Law did not provide for an extension of the Vice-Chancellor’s tenure, raising questions over the legal basis for the governor’s decision.

The UNIOSUN ASUU Chairman, Dr Wande Olaosebikan, disclosed this in an interview while reacting to the development.

Olaosebikan said the union had examined the relevant provisions of the law and found that tenure extension was specifically provided for the Registrar, Bursar and Librarian, but not the Vice-Chancellor.

He said, “ASUU would not immediately take action based solely on media reports. The union is awaiting confirmation on whether Prof. Adebooye had formally accepted the extension.”

The union chairman said the matter was discussed at an ASUU congress on Tuesday, where members reviewed the laws guiding the administration and governance of the university.

The controversy followed Governor Adeleke’s announcement on Monday that he had approved a two-year extension for Adebooye, who had completed his initial five-year tenure.

The announcement was made during the inauguration of the reconstituted Governing Council of UNIOSUN in Osogbo.

Governor Adeleke said the decision was taken in the interest of the university, with the aim of strengthening its governance structure, ensuring continuity and preventing a leadership vacuum that could disrupt the institution’s administration.

The governor also disclosed that Adebooye initially declined the offer before eventually accepting the additional two years.

Adeleke described UNIOSUN as “one of the enduring investments of the people of Osun State.”

The development subsequently received legislative attention, with the Osun State House of Assembly moving to amend the UNIOSUN Establishment Law to provide a legal framework for the two-year extension of the Vice-Chancellor’s tenure.

The Assembly passed the Osun State University Establishment Amendment Bill 2026 during plenary on Thursday, following a motion moved by the Deputy Majority Leader, Adekunle Emmanuel, and seconded by Sanni Areoye, representing Atakumosa East and Atakumosa West State Constituencies, respectively.

The proposed amendment was presented to the House following a letter from Governor Adeleke dated July 27, 2026, seeking changes to the law establishing the university.

The House Committee on Education said the proposed legislation would also provide a framework for grants and scholarships for students.

The amendment Act effectively approved the governor’s action and provided for the extension of the Vice-Chancellor’s tenure.

Before its passage, the Assembly dissolved into a Committee of the Whole to undertake further consideration of the bill.